Memory for Black and White Faces Paired with Weapons and Other Objects
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
4-2025
Abstract
We used White and Black male face photographs from the Chicago Face Database, selecting those rated highest and lowest in prototypicality by race, and paired these with photographs depicting either handheld weapons, kitchenware, or random objects belonging to no coherent category. Participants viewed sequences of face/object pairs for 4s each, then took recognition memory tests for faces, objects, and which faces were paired with which objects. Participants then took the Race Faces implicit association test (IAT). We hypothesized that those exhibiting anti-Black bias on the IAT would be biased toward indicating they had previously seen Black/Weapon combinations during memory tests for pairs. Data collections are ongoing with 58 participants so far collected. Preliminary results show the more negative implicit bias for Black faces, the more accurate at remembering prototypical Black faces as well as the least prototypical White faces that were paired with weapons. The more positive implicit bias for Black faces, the more false memories for non-prototypical Black faces and prototypical White faces that were paired with weapons. Results present basic research with implications for eyewitness memory and other socially relevant domains.
Recommended Citation
Sanford, Claire, "Memory for Black and White Faces Paired with Weapons and Other Objects" (2025). Student Research Symposium 2025. 49.
https://digitalcommons.tamusa.edu/srs_2025/49
Comments
Poster Session 2
5:30-7:00 p.m.
BLH Lobby